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Frozen Shoulder

Frozen Shoulder

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Overview

Frozen shoulder is a condition characterized by stiffness, pain, and limited range of motion in the shoulder joint. It typically develops gradually, worsens over time, and then resolves—usually over the course of 1 to 3 years. It occurs when the connective tissue surrounding the shoulder joint thickens and tightens, restricting movement.

Symptoms

Frozen shoulder usually progresses through three stages:

  • Freezing Stage:
  • Gradual onset of pain
  • Range of motion starts to decrease
  • Lasts 6 weeks to 9 months
  • Frozen Stage:
  • Pain may lessen, but stiffness remains
  • Daily activities become harder
  • Lasts 4 to 12 months
  • Thawing Stage:
  • Shoulder mobility slowly returns
  • Pain continues to fade
  • Lasts 6 months to 2 years

Causes

  • Often unknown (idiopathic)
  • Inflammation of the shoulder capsule
  • Thickening and tightening of the shoulder capsule with scar tissue

 

Can be secondary to:

  • Shoulder injury or surgery
  • Prolonged immobility
  • Systemic conditions (like diabetes)

Risk Factors

  • Age: Most common in people 40–60 years old
  • Gender: More common in women
  • Immobility: After surgery, fracture, or stroke

 

Chronic conditions:

  • Diabetes
  • Thyroid disorders (hypo- or hyperthyroidism)
  • Cardiovascular disease
  • Parkinson’s disease

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is mainly clinical, based on:

  • Medical history
  • Physical examination: limited active and passive range of motion
  • Imaging tests (to rule out other issues):
  • X-rays (to rule out arthritis)
  • MRI or ultrasound (to check for soft tissue problems)